In this article, we will unveil the exciting new features and enhancements introduced in WordPress 5.5. Going through this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the changes in themes, plugins, block editor, and overall performance improvements available to users of the Managed-WP cloud hosting platform.
Table of Contents
Themes and Plugins
The WordPress 5.5 release introduces exciting enhancements in the area of themes and plugins management. Here we detail these major updates:
Auto-update
One of the most awaited features is auto-update for themes and plugins. This new addition helps improve site security as it reduces the risk of outdated software that could be exploited by hackers. In WordPress 5.5, users can enable automatic updates for individual themes and plugins, making their websites more secure and reliable.
Note: Always make sure to have a complete backup of your website before enabling auto-updates for themes and plugins, as there might be compatibility issues that could affect your website’s functionality.
Uploading ZIP files
WordPress 5.5 adds the ability to update plugins and themes by uploading a ZIP file. This feature is especially helpful when updating premium or custom themes and plugins that are not available through the WordPress repository.
Block Editor
WordPress 5.5 brings substantial improvements to the block editor, making content creation and management more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some of the most notable improvements:
Inline Image Editing
Now, users can edit images directly within the block editor without the need to switch to the media library. This novel feature makes it easier and faster to scale, crop, and rotate images, and even change the image’s aspect ratio.
Block Patterns
Block patterns are predefined layouts of blocks that offer an easy way to create complex page structures. WordPress 5.5 comes with a set of built-in block patterns, and more will be available through plugins and themes. Users can now access the patterns from the Block Inserter and easily add them to their page layouts.
Device Previews
With the new Device Previews feature, users can now preview their content on different screen sizes directly within the block editor. This helps ensure that your content looks great on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
Block Directory
WordPress 5.5 introduces the Block Directory, which is a collection of single block plugins. As a user searches for a specific block in the editor, the results will also show blocks available in the Block Directory. This allows users to quickly discover, install, and use new blocks without leaving the editor.
Performance Improvements
WordPress 5.5 also brings several essential performance improvements, which are outlined below:
Lazy Loading Images
The inclusion of native lazy loading in WordPress 5.5 allows images to load only when they become visible on the screen, thus reducing the load time for users and improving overall site performance. This feature is enabled by default for all new WordPress installations and does not require any additional configuration.
Improved XML Sitemaps
XML sitemaps are essential for search engines to discover and index your website’s content more efficiently. WordPress 5.5 includes built-in XML sitemaps, making it easier for search engines to crawl your website and improving your site’s search engine visibility.
Additional Features
Besides the significant updates mentioned above, WordPress 5.5 also includes various minor features and improvements:
Accessible Buttons
With the introduction of the new accessible button component in the block editor, creating custom-styled and responsive buttons has become much simpler. This also aids in resolving accessibility issues that were present earlier.
Dashicons Update
WordPress 5.5 introduces 39 new Dashicons, expanding the existing icon library used in the WordPress admin area. This update offers a broader range of icons for users to choose from when customizing their dashboards.
Ensuring Compatibility
As with every major WordPress release, it is crucial to ensure that your website remains compatible with the latest features and enhancements. Managed-WP users can avoid potential issues by following these recommended steps:
- Create a backup of your website before updating to WordPress 5.5.
- Perform thorough testing on a staging environment before applying updates to the live site.
- Update all themes and plugins to ensure compatibility with the WordPress 5.5 release.
- Contact the Managed-WP support team if you encounter any issues or need assistance with your update.
In conclusion, WordPress 5.5 offers a wide range of new features, improvements, and enhancements that make managing and building websites easier and more convenient than ever before. Managed-WP is dedicated to providing our WordPress cloud hosting users with the best experience by keeping them updated on the latest WordPress releases and ensuring compatibility for a seamless and enjoyable experience. To learn more about Managed-WP and our WordPress solutions, please visit our website at https://managed-wp.com.
